Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka admits a move to Roma was close last summer.

Speaking to ESPN during Arsenal's pre-season tour of the United States, Xhaka insists Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu's wishes for him to remain at the club ensured he stayed put.

Asked if there was anything in reports last summer of interest in him, the Swiss said: "It was something, yes."

Asked how close he came to leaving the Gunners - for whom he has now made 250 appearances across all competitions - he said: "Very close."

But when quizzed on why he remains an Arsenal played, he added: "Because Mikel was the guy with Edu, they didn't let me go because they wanted to keep me here."